FRESNO (KMJ) — A regular rise in the number of fire deaths during Christmas time is prompting a seasonal warning from Fresno Fire.
“Decorative things on your mantle might have a candle next to them. So when the candle burns down, if it’s not protected from touching some combustible material it might catch on fire,” warned Deputy Chief Ted Semonious.
“So there is an increase in fires caused by candles during the holiday season.”
Figures from Fresno Fire show a marked increase in fatal incidents caused by candles. Data reveals one in every 34 blazes results in a death through the holiday season. That compares with one in around 150 during the rest of the year.
“A live tree that has been cut and allowed to stay in a stand for a month, can easily dry out in two weeks,” continued Semonious.
“So it’s very important to make sure you follow good proper watering of the tree which means checking it every day and adding water if it’s necessary.”
The Fresno Fire Deputy Chief admitted that it can be a precarious time of year.
“People just take it in their stride and don’t even think about some of the dangers that are out there until it affects them.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
